I have a bit of a confession to make. There are days when I don’t wear makeup, don’t style my hair, don’t put on anything besides the same tshirt and jeans I’ve been rocking for two days. There; I said it. This doesn’t mean, however, that I don’t care about what I see in the mirror before I leave the house. My secret? I adorn myself properly. A messy ballerina bun or a hat, some cute sandals and a well decorated arm of jewelry are all I need to transform my look from “Mom who doesn’t care” to “Unaffected lady with children.” (This might well be all in my imagination but I’m sticking with it!)

My search for the essential bangle is never-ending. In the sometimes over-saturated market of jewelry, it can be overwhelming to try and find those pieces that speak to you not only with their wearability but also with their chic and easy sophistication. I felt like I hit pay dirt when I stumbled across Leather Wraps. These gorgeously crafted leather bangles with gold and silver accents are the perfect adornment to take an ordinary day and make it extraordinary. Offered in a variety of colors, you can mix and match or stack as many or as few as you like. Personally, I’m torn between the Gold and the Yellow. There is just something about the idea of sunshine living on my wrist that just makes me smile. Maybe I’ll even add some lip gloss.

That’s a toughie! I suppose I would have told myself to stop running away, the problems will only follow me unless I take care of them the right way. Also, dump the loser and get to know his friend better! (I’m now marrying the friend, but I wish I could have started dating him 5 years ago and avoided a lot of crap!)

That it won’t be perfect, that chick flicks are ruining your impressions on how life goes. Life is always going to have ups and downs and curve balls, just get used to that. Waiting for my version of “perfect” is waiting for never. Embrace the chaos and learn to breathe. Take chances and make things for yourself. You’ll end up loving so many things you thought you wouldn’t and needing so many things you thought unimportant.

I wish I could have told myself to not panic so badly about being laid off 4 years ago and take my time to find the right job. I am unbelievably grateful to have my current position (especially after 9 months of looking) but I have never been happy with the work and it just feels so much harder to find the right thing after this much time. I also would give myself a heads up that being married was going to rock really hard, because my husband was very supportive and wonderful when I was going through all of that (I got laid off the month we returned from our honeymoon, so…that was fun). Now whenever one of my younger friends or cousins is pondering the scary world of employment, I encourage them to really look for something they love, if they’re in a position to hold out a little. Following your dream is worth it!